Money goes to playground projects

Contact:  Mark York 502-564-3350

UNIONTOWN, Ky. (April 17, 2008) – The city of Uniontown in Union County has received a $38,820 crumb rubber grant for playground projects at Uniontown Park and Uniontown Elementary School, Governor Steve Beshear announced today.

The Uniontown grant was among 43 grants totaling nearly $1 million awarded recently from the Waste Tire Trust Fund managed by the Environmental and Public Protection’s Division of Waste Management.

Beshear said the crumb rubber grant program encourages environmental stewardship. 

“The job of protecting our environment can’t be assumed solely by Frankfort. It is far too big a job,” Governor Beshear said. “Only a strong partnership embracing all levels of government, businesses, organizations, communities and even individuals can truly make an enduring impact on preserving our environment. I am pleased to recognize the efforts of local partners--specifically the city of Uniontown and the Uniontown Elementary School.”

Uniontown Park, located in the western portion of the city, is a high-traffic facility used year-round by residents of all ages.  The Uniontown Elementary playground, where crumb rubber will cushion areas under the playground equipment, is used by more than 200 students every day.

The Waste Fire Trust Fund was established by the 1998 Kentucky General Assembly to receive a $1 fee from each sale of a new tire in the state. The money is used to manage the 5 million scrap tires generated in Kentucky each year and to develop markets for recycled tire products.

Crumb rubber, made from recycled scrap tires, is used for mulch on playgrounds, for fitness/walking tracks, landscaping and for reduction in soil degradation on athletic fields.

Grants this year are going to projects involving playgrounds, athletic fields, fitness/walking tracks, a gym floor and horse stall matting -- a University of Kentucky Research Foundation project at the Kentucky Horse Park.